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Comparison of Leeaky Hose Vs other Rubber-based Microporous Systems

The Aquapore and Waterwise product types are based on patents taken out in the U.S. by Jim Turner over 20 years ago. The idea and principles of the product have been applauded by various Australian companies and there have been at least five attempts to import and distribute it in Australia during that time.

The products have proved to be both unsuitable for any but a limited range of irrigation uses, and their strict filtering requirements make them unsuitable for most Australian water supplies.

The first development work on Leeaky Hose evolved out of one of these later attempts in 1991, when the U.S. manufacturer was unable to provide solutions to prevent its products blocking, or ceasing to operate. Developmental work, with assistance from Macquarie University, was begun on a slow release watering system that did not require high pressure or town water and could be used in longer runs for agricultural and horticultural applications. Leeaky Hose was evolved, and successfully tested.

Leeaky Hose proved to be generally unsusceptible to pore blocking, and resumed its flow characteristics after flushing of any sediment build-up. Aquapore/Waterwise and Leeaky Hose are diametrically different in their operational specifications and needs.

The American developed product is a fine celled product that requires pressures in excess of 75 kpa to drive it. Because of this high pressure the hose cannot be driven in runs exceeding 45 metres (manufacturer's specifications for 16mm - 30 metres for 12mm). This attribute has been documented by Dr Melano of Melbourne University who found that the higher the pressure, the greater the turbulence, and the less distance water would flow.

The converse of this is also true, and Leeaky Hose is designed as a water delivery system at pressures less than 2kpa. We have established sites where runs of 150 metres from a single source are irrigating satisfactorily its total length. The flow rate into the hose can be as low as only one litre per metre a minute. This is gravity-fed from a 2" line from a nearby dam.

The American product specification stringently requires filters and operates most successfully from clean, high pressure town water.

Leeaky Hose is designed to be used happily with dam or bore water and can be used to recycle household grey water.

Leeaky Hose is made from 100% recycled materials while other microporous pipes use only a proportion of recycled materials.

Fittings. Aquapore has clamped brass fittings - because they are necessary. Their apparently re-badged Water Wise product - without the brass fittings -leaks heavily from both fittings when the hose is loaded to operating pressure. Any below ground installation therefore must be firmly clamped.

Leeaky Hose has been recognised by national retail distribution chains such as Woolworths and Target. Woolworths, following increasing public acceptance of Leeaky Hose and high user satisfaction levels, have awarded it standard line status.